NuvaRing (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring) is a contraceptive vaginal ring manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc. and is available by prescription. NuvaRing is a flexible plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina for a 3 week period of time. Upon contact with the vaginal wall, the plastic ring releases a low dose of hormones (progestin and estrogen) that are absorbed into the bloodstream in order to prevent ovulation.
NuvaRing was approved for sale in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on October 3, 2001. By 2007, it was being used by more than 1.5 million women.
What are the health risks of using NuvaRing?
Almost all forms of hormonal birth control have an increased risk of blood clots for women using these methods of contraception. However, studies have shown the type of progestine in NuvaRing, a third-generation hormone, produces a significantly greater risk (approximately 6.5 times more likely) for blood clots in women using NuvaRing when compared to women using other forms of hormonal birth control. This hormone can cause a woman’s blood to clot more easily because it causes changes in the blood clotting system of the body.
A blood clot, also known as a venous thrombosis, is a semi-solid or solid mass of coagulated blood within the veins. The blood can abnormally coagulate and form a clot when the blood flowing through the veins is exposed to certain substances. A blood clot may also form abnormally when the blood is unable to flow properly throughout the body. Blood clots become dangerous and life threatening when they break off, travel through the veins and become lodged in a vital organ (such as the heart, lungs, or brain). These mobile blood clots can cause heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms.
Signs of Possible Blood Clots In the Lungs Include:
1. Sharp chest pain.
2. Coughing up blood.
3. Sudden shortness of breath.
Signs of Possible Blood Clots In the Leg Include:
1. Pain in the lower leg/calf.
Signs of Possible Blood Clot In the Brain (Stroke):
1. Sudden severe headache or vomiting.
2. Sudden dizziness or fainting.
3. Sudden speech problems.
4. Sudden vision problems.
5. Weakness/numbness in the arms or legs.
Signs of Possible Blood Clot In the Eye:
1. Sudden partial/complete vision loss.
Nuvaring Lawsuits:
Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of NuvaRing. The lawsuits filed allege that the makers of NuvaRing failed to warn of the health risks associated with the contraceptive and its propensity to cause deadly blood clots.
Compensation:
You may be entitled to receive compensation for past medical expenses, future medical expenses, loss wages, pain and suffering. Spouses may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. Also, if a death has occurred due to NuvaRing, family members may be entitled to compensation under a wrongful death suit. The laws of the particular state where your claim arose will dictate what categories of damages you are entitled to.
Our NuvaRing Lawyers:
If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, heart attack, blood clots, or died as a result of a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot while taking NuvaRing, do not hesitate to contact our team of medical lawyers for a free consultation. Our lawyers will give your case the time and attention it deserves. We will evaluate your case, provide you with all the legal options available and help you obtain any and all compensation you may be entitled to.
Call us today at 1-800-MED-LAWS for a free Nuvaring legal consultation.
